Question

Define (i) amplitude, (ii) oscillation, (iii) time period, (iv) frequency, and (v) phase of a particle in SHM.

Answer 1

1. Amplitude: The maximum displacement of an oscillating body from its mean position to an extreme position is called its amplitude. It is measured in meters (m).
2. Oscillation: An oscillation is a complete to-and-fro motion of a body about its mean position.
3. Time period: The time taken to complete one oscillation is called the time period (denoted by T). T is measured in seconds.
4. Frequency: The number of oscillations completed by the oscillating body in one second is called its frequency (denoted by the Greek letter nu '$\nu$'). The SI unit of frequency is hertz(Hz).
5. Phase of particle in SHM: Phase of a particle tells us where the particle is and where it is heading at a given instant.